Feeling frustrated with the state of your lashes? Smudges, clumps, and flakes got you down? Up your lash game with these 4 essential mascara hacks for lashes that look fuller, longer, and professionally done. Here are some pro hacks and simple tips for beautiful mascara application every time:

1. Use a lash primer
Many of your mascara woes can be solved with a good lash primer. If you have damaged or weak lashes you’ll notice a huge difference from your norm. A quick swipe of primer can add volume and separate your lashes, adding fullness without clumping. It can also help your lashes hold a curl. Timing is crucial when using this product. Apply the primer, then apply your mascara immediately after. If you wait too long to apply the mascara on top you run the risk of the primer drying and making it much harder to put on your mascara evenly. Nobody wants that! You will know you’ve gotten the timing down when your mascara slides smoothly across the lashes.

2. Clean wands before use
Excess mascara will lead to clumps, smudges, and extra weight on the lashes. Remove the wand from the tube and use a tissue to wipe off excess mascara. Though you may be used to using the rim for this, try to avoid this. By doing that you’re creating a large deposit of product that will dry out and irritate your eyes if it makes it onto the wand and consequently your lashes. This can lead to your eyes drying, itching, or watering. Yuck!

3. Apply the “wiggle and roll”
The wiggle and roll method can help your lashes appear fuller and longer. After you remove the excess mascara from the wand, place it at the bottom of your lashes and wiggle just a little. Then pull it evenly through the length of your lashes. The wiggle itself will separate the lashes, allowing each individual lash to become coated by the mascara. This gives the appearance of voluminous, long lashes.

4. Choose a volume mascara
If you’re having issues with lash length and fullness, conditioning mascara and lengthening mascara can work wonders for your volume. Conditioning mascara is specially formulated to strengthen and protect your eyelashes. While some are not pigmented, those that are will give you a noticeable boost in volume without clumping. Many contain vitamin E to encourage the growth and softening of the lashes. They also contain other ingredients to moisturize and add shine. Lengthening mascara works very similarly to your typical mascara, but has fibers that adhere to the ends of your lashes to make them appear longer. Some also are formulated to make your lashes curl. This gives the appearance of them being longer. The only downside to these types of mascara is that the fibers are prone to clumping. If you run into this issue as you apply your mascara, consider making the swap to a primer/mascara duo. The use of a primer followed by a mascara can also give the look of longer lashes without the clump factor.